🎙️ Procrastination or Podcasting Perfection? How to Break the Cycle and Get Your Show Out There

13 Feb 🎙️ Procrastination or Podcasting Perfection? How to Break the Cycle and Get Your Show Out There

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👋Hey there Podcaster!

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll record it later,” only to feel guilty about it—you’re not alone. This week on Podcasting Morning Chat, neuroscientist Dr. Roshanak Hashemiyoon broke down the science behind procrastination, revealing why podcasters struggle to hit record and how to break free from the cycle.

Meanwhile, we’re celebrating a huge milestone in the ADHD community—Brooke Schnittman’s podcast, SuccessFULL With ADHD, just hit 100,000 downloads! Discover the secrets behind her podcasting success and why her show is changing lives.

February is Black History Month, and we’re shining a spotlight on Code Switch, the NPR podcast tackling race, identity, and culture through powerful storytelling. If you’re looking for thought-provoking conversations, I’ve got three must-listen episodes to get you started.

Plus, don’t miss this week’s Podcasting Morning Chat episodes, covering everything from knowing your professional value to whether clickbait is a necessary evil.

Scroll down for all the details—there’s a ton of podcasting wisdom waiting for you! 🚀🎙️

🎙️ Procrastination or Podcasting Perfection? How to Break the Cycle and Get Your Show Out There

Ever told yourself, “I’ll record it later,” and then felt guilty about it?

👋 I know I have!

But what if I told you that procrastination isn’t always the enemy?

On Monday’s Podcasting Morning Chat, neuroscientist Dr. Roshanak Hashemiyoon joined us to break down what’s really happening in our brains when we procrastinate. And as podcasters, this couldn’t be more relevant—because let’s face it, hitting record is often the hardest part!

🚨 The Hidden Science Behind Procrastination

We often think of procrastination as laziness or lack of discipline, but that’s not the full story. Dr. Hashemiyoon explained that procrastination is actually a brain-driven response to stress, fear, or overwhelm. It’s a coping mechanism that your mind uses to either protect you from discomfort or give you space to process new information.

So if you’ve been putting off launching your podcast, struggling to stay consistent, or avoiding certain episodes (hello, perfectionism!), your brain might be trying to help you, but in a way that’s keeping you stuck.

Here are some of the most common procrastination types that podcasters fall into:

1️⃣ Protective Procrastination: Your Brain’s Way of Preventing Burnout

Not all procrastination is bad. In some cases, your brain slows you down to prevent overload. If you’ve been juggling multiple creative projects or feeling drained, your hesitation to record might actually be a sign that you need a break—not a reason to beat yourself up.

🛠️ Solution: Instead of forcing yourself to push through, try intentional breaks. Schedule short, structured pauses to recharge so you don’t fall into a spiral of endless avoidance.

2️⃣ Fear-Based Procrastination: Fear of Failure vs. Fear of Success

Let’s be honest—putting yourself out there for some is scary. Maybe you’re afraid your podcast won’t be good enough, or that no one will listen. Or, on the flip side, maybe you’re afraid it will be successful, and that success will bring expectations you’re not sure you can meet.

🛠️ Solution: Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen? And then—what’s the best that could happen? Facing these fears head-on can help you realize that the risks aren’t as big as they seem. And even if your first few episodes aren’t perfect (spoiler alert: they won’t be!), starting is the only way to improve.

3️⃣ The Productivity Trap: Doing ‘Work’ That Feels Productive but Isn’t

Ever spent hours tweaking your podcast logo, researching the best microphone, or reorganizing your workspace instead of actually recording? That’s a classic procrastination tactic. It tricks you into thinking you’re being productive when, in reality, you’re just avoiding the real work.

🛠️ Solution: Set a deadline. Instead of waiting for the “perfect time” to record, schedule a non-negotiable date and time to hit record—no matter what.

4️⃣ The Perfectionism Paralysis: ‘It’s Not Ready Yet’ Syndrome

Perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise. The longer you wait for the perfect script, perfect delivery, or perfect idea, the longer your podcast sits in limbo. The truth is, perfection is impossible—especially in a medium like podcasting, where personality and authenticity matter more than flawlessness.

🛠️ Solution: Aim for excellence, not perfection. Record a short test episode, put it out there, and learn as you go. Remember, your first episode will never be as good as your 50th, but you’ll never get to 50 if you don’t start.

5️⃣ Rumination & Overthinking: The Thought Spiral That Kills Action

Podcasters tend to be deep thinkers (which is great!), but that can also lead to overanalyzing every decision. If you keep questioning your format, topics, or branding to the point where you never take action, that’s a sign of rumination.

🛠️ Solution: Journal it out. Writing down your concerns helps break the cycle of overthinking and allows you to separate real obstacles from self-imposed doubts.

🎯 How to Break the Procrastination Cycle and Finally Hit Record

1️⃣ Recognize your procrastination pattern. Is it fear? Burnout? Perfectionism? Identifying the root cause is the first step to overcoming it.

2️⃣ Use the ‘small steps’ strategy. Instead of thinking about launching an entire podcast, just focus on recording one short episode. Then another. Then another. Progress beats perfection every time.

3️⃣ Create an accountability system. Join a podcasting community (like this one!), find a podcasting buddy, or set deadlines that hold you to your goals.

4️⃣ Change your mindset. Podcasting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, sharing your message, and connecting with your audience.

5️⃣ Reward yourself. Celebrate small wins! Finished recording? Treat yourself to your favorite coffee. Published an episode? Share it with a friend who will hype you up. Positive reinforcement strengthens good habits.

🎤 Your Turn!

What’s something you’ve been putting off in your podcasting journey? Do you think your procrastination is helping you refine your approach, or is it holding you back?

Hit reply —I’d love to hear your thoughts!

🎉Celebrating Success with SuccessFULL with ADHD

Huge congratulations to my friend and ADHD coach, Brooke Schnittman, on reaching 100,000 podcast downloads for SuccessFULL With ADHD! 🎉👏

Since launching in 2023, Brooke has been on a mission to shine a light on the real, raw, and inspiring stories of ADHDers who have turned their challenges into strengths. With 89 experts and ADHDers sharing their journeys—doctors, teachers, creatives, lawyers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and everyday people—the podcast has become a powerful platform for hope, empowerment, and success.

What’s the secret to hitting this huge milestone? Consistency, high-quality content, and truly connecting with her audience. (And, of course, I hear she had an amazing producer along the way! 😜)

Beyond just audio, SuccessFULL With ADHD has now surpassed 200,000 downloads including YouTube—proof that Brooke’s impact is reaching far and wide.

✨ If you need a dose of inspiration and practical tips from those who’ve walked the ADHD journey, this is the podcast to tune into.

🎧 Listen here: SuccessFULL With ADHD

Congratulations, Brooke! I’m proud of you and proud to be part of what you do. Here’s to the next 100K! 🚀🎙️

✊🏾Honoring Black Excellence in Podcasting: Code Switch

As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to highlight incredible podcasts that are leading important conversations about race, identity, and culture. This week, I’m spotlighting Code Switch—an NPR podcast that consistently delivers thought-provoking discussions with depth, humor, and honesty.

Hosted by Gene Demby and Lori Lizarraga, Code Switch unpacks the complexities of race and how it intersects with politics, pop culture, history, and everyday life. It’s one of the most important shows in the podcasting space, tackling difficult topics with both nuance and relatability.

What sets it apart is the rich storytelling, expert analysis, and diverse perspectives that make every episode an eye-opening experience. The show doesn’t just inform—it challenges, inspires, and sparks conversations that matter.

If you’re looking for a podcast that deepens your understanding of racial issues while keeping things engaging and accessible, Code Switch is a must-listen.

🎧 Start with these standout episodes:
🔹 “We Don’t Talk About Latino Anti-Blackness. But We Should.” – A candid discussion on racial dynamics within Latino communities.
🔹 “Why Now, White People?” – A deep dive into the 2020 racial reckoning and what it means for lasting change.
🔹 “What About Your Friends?” – An exploration of race and friendship, and why our social circles often lack diversity.

🎧 Listen to Code Switch here: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch 

🎙️Podcasting Morning Chat Highlights🌅

Welcome to your essential morning brew of ideas and insights, the “Podcasting Morning Chat” is a daily show that’s by creators, for creators. A dynamic team of experienced podcasters, entrepreneurs, and producers hosts the PMC. Each episode peels back the curtain on the art of podcasting and content creation. The conversation is a mix of insights, stories, and strategies, tailor-made to keep your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your creative spark alive. 

Recorded live every weekday at 7 AM EST on Clubhouse and available via podcast at 7 AM PST, our show has become a cornerstone for podcasters worldwide, offering a unique blend of expert advice, real-world success stories, and innovative ideas. Whether you’re here to enhance your content, expand your audience, or just soak in the collective wisdom of fellow content creators, the PMC is your source for inspiration, empowerment and connection in the podcasting world. 

Catch up with the latest episodes and join our global community of creators to kick-start your day with creativity, strategy, and insight.